About Maya.
Maya Lin Sugarman (she/they) is a writer, director and host who makes films and podcasts.
She is host and executive producer of the Apple Original podcast Magnificent Jerk, named a best podcast of the year by The New Yorker and Vulture.
Previously, Maya worked at The Washington Post where she led video for The Lily. In 2019, she directed and produced the award-winning short documentary “The Jessicas Are Turning 30.”
Her work has been recognized by The Webbys, and has appeared on NPR, PBS and APM. Before joining The Post, she was a visual journalist at NPR affiliate KPCC.
Originally from Oakland, Calif., Maya picked up her father’s Nikon 35mm film camera at 16. She fell in love with street photography while crossing the bay by train each day to attend high school in San Francisco. She graduated from UCLA’s Department of Art.
After a decade-long career as a journalist, Maya quit her job to pursue the independent creative work she always dreamed of. She works under the moniker “Salty Chinese Girl Productions,” inspired by a bit part her uncle once played.
Maya became a certified yoga instructor in 2023. She teaches at Highland Park Yoga.
Maya is based in Los Angeles.